San Jose to Guanacaste Private Transfer: Your Own Schedule

Pick your departure time and travel at your own pace to the coast

A private minibus transfer from San Jose (airport or hotel) to the Papagayo area of Guanacaste, including Riu hotels and other coastal destinations. You choose when to leave, travel in a modern air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual driver, and the journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. The service includes bottled water and all taxes. Optional stops for coffee or lunch are available at no extra charge. Minibuses seat either 4 or 10 passengers, with fares adjusted so larger groups pay less per person.

The experience

You arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport or your San Jose hotel and need to reach the coast without renting a car or waiting for a shared shuttle. A private minibus picks you up at the time you choose (whether that's right after landing or after a morning in the city), and takes you directly to your destination in Guanacaste. The driver speaks both English and Spanish, so communication is straightforward. The vehicle is air-conditioned and modern, built for the long drive north through Costa Rica's interior landscape.

The journey covers approximately 4.5 hours of highway travel. If you want to break it up, the driver can stop for coffee, lunch or a bathroom break at no extra cost. You decide whether to use that time or push straight through. Bottled water is provided, and all fees and taxes are included in the price you see at checkout. The minibus comes in two sizes (one for groups up to 4 people or one for up to 10), so you pay only for the capacity you need, and larger groups benefit from a lower per-person rate.

The driver delivers you directly to your hotel in Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, or to one of the Riu properties in the area. Because this is a private service, there are no other passengers to coordinate with and no fixed schedule forcing you to wait or rush. You control the departure time and the pace of the journey itself.

What’s included

• Private minibus transportation from San Jose airport or your hotel to Guanacaste.
• bilingual English and Spanish driver.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• all taxes and fees.
• optional stops for coffee or lunch at no extra charge.

Options for this experience

2 options

Minibus for up to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeVehicle for 4 people, includes pickup

Minibus for up to 10 peopleUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeVehicle for 10 people, includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Summer Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book the minibus for 4 if it's just you or a couple traveling together, or the minibus for 10 if you're moving a larger group: the per-person cost drops as more seats fill, so bigger parties save money. Choose your own departure time if you want flexibility around your arrival or other plans in San Jose. The fixed schedule of a shared shuttle doesn't apply here.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose when to leave from San Jose?

Yes. Because this is a private transfer, you pick the departure time that works for your arrival or your schedule in the city. You are not bound to a fixed shuttle schedule.

How long does the drive from San Jose to Guanacaste take?

The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours. If you want to stop for coffee, lunch or a rest, the driver can arrange that at no additional charge, though it will add time to your total travel.

What's included in the price?

The price covers private transportation in an air-conditioned minibus, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. Tips are optional. Optional stops for food or drinks are free. You only pay if you choose to eat or drink at that stop.

Can the minibus take my whole group?

The transfer is available in two sizes: a minibus for up to 4 passengers or a minibus for up to 10 passengers. You choose the size that fits your group at checkout, and fares are adjusted so the per-person cost drops as the group grows.

Will the driver take me to a Riu hotel?

Yes. The transfer serves all Riu hotels in Guanacaste as well as other destinations in the Papagayo area, including Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco. Tell the operator which hotel when you book.